Terry op ‘successful’, say Chelsea

Chelsea and England captain John Terry on Thursday underwent surgery on his back injury.

The 26-year-old has not featured in the Blues’ last three Barclays Premiership matches, in which they have conceded six goals and fallen four points leaders Manchester United. A club statement read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that club captain John Terry underwent successful surgery following his back injury.

“The operation took place in France following consultation between the Chelsea medical department and a leading neurosurgical specialist. The operation to remove a sequestrated lumbar intervertebral disc was successful and everyone at the club wishes John a speedy and full recovery.”

It is unclear how much time the Chelsea skipper will need to recover from the operation, but it is understood it should be weeks rather than months of rehabilitation.

That would be welcome news for manager Jose Mourinho, who has made no secret of his desire to get the England defender back in action as soon as possible. It also remains to be seen if the defender will be fit to lead his country in their first international of 2007, against Spain at Old Trafford on February 7.

In the continued absence of their inspirational centre-half and goalkeeper Petr Cech, the Blues have looked somewhat shaky in defence. Chelsea have now let in 15 goals – only seven fewer than they did over the whole of the last Premiership season.

Having sold both William Gallas and Robert Huth, Mourinho admits the continued absence of the England captain has left him short of options in the heart of the defence.

The Chelsea manager has even considered asking 19-goal striker Didier Drogba to step into the role on an emergency basis.

The 28-year-old said: “I do not like to play at centre-back – but I do it for the team because sometimes we have difficult moments in the game.”